Cyric had always championed manipulating others while keeping himself safely detached.
Just as he often claimed, a lie was only properly told if whether it succeeded or failed left oneself completely unaffected.
Hence, Cyric was rarely ever caught by anyone. Even during his bouts of madness, he had acted on this very instinct, which was why nemeses like the Lord of the Dawn could never pin him down.
Anbaixiu capturing even an inconsequential avatar was an achievement in itself.
Yet Anbaixiu wanted far more than this. Merely making Cyric suffer a setback only meant the god would turn around and plot against him again, becoming an endless nuisance.
Therefore, Anbaixiu wanted to resolve the problem once and for all.
And the simplest way to deal with Cyric was nothing less than stripping him directly of his divine portfolio.
Anbaixiu was not Ao; he had no authority to strip a deity of their divine portfolio. But against Cyric, it was not entirely impossible.
Just as Zariel had ultimately failed to retain her office as a devil archduke, as long as Anbaixiu applied a bit of ingenuity now, he might have a chance to wrest Cyric's divine portfolio away.
The method was quite straightforward: defeat Cyric at the game of lies—and claim a total, absolute victory. That should cause Cyric's divine portfolio to peel away automatically and transfer onto Anbaixiu.
When that time came, Cyric would be reduced to a mortal once more.
And Cyric's avatar was precisely what Anbaixiu needed.
Once a sinner plunged into Hell, leaving was nearly impossible; right now, even committing suicide was difficult for Cyric.
Right before Cyric's eyes, Anbaixiu mobilized vast divine power. Layer upon layer of profound magic circles surfaced, stacking atop one another to form an immense array massive enough to blot out the sky.
Watching this unfold, Cyric was shocked to find that he could not decipher it.
With all his divine knowledge, he was actually unable to understand what Anbaixiu was doing. He could only sense that this colossal array consumed a massive amount of divine power, yet he could not perceive the slightest trace of its effect.
Dropping any pretense of politeness, Cyric demanded directly, "What are you doing?"
Anbaixiu did not answer. Instead, he clenched his fingers, and the layered magic arrays rapidly contracted, flowing into his palm as if nothing had ever happened.
Having done this, Anbaixiu said to Cyric, "I'll give you a chance. Let's make a bet."
"A bet on what?" Cyric asked, puzzled.
"A bet on whether I can solve the problem of these five demon lords without lifting a hand."
Cyric sneered dismissively. "Why should I bet with you?"
"Because this is your only chance to beat me. Of course, you don't have to accept. I haven't gagged you. In fact, I'll take you along to see your five allies, and you're entirely free to use your wits to stop me."
Carrying the caged Cyric, Anbaixiu took a single stride out of the Grand Library and arrived above the Blood River battlefield.
Below lay vast swathes of molten lava, but above the magma, endless black lightning bolts crashed down continuously. Someone was tearing through the planar space of Hell, attempting to force entry.
Anbaixiu did not stop them; instead, he gently traced a finger in the air, opening a massive spatial portal before him.
Countless beholders surged out, spraying all manner of magical rays wildly in every direction. However, no devils were stationed here any longer—only Anbaixiu, the master of this plane.
The dense barrage of magical attacks could not shake this devil archduke in the slightest; rather, a single glance from Anbaixiu froze them in place.
Before long, a colossal eyeball emerged within the spatial portal.
The instant he laid eyes on it, Anbaixiu felt a wave of nausea and dizziness. Though not overly pronounced, the discomfort still took him by surprise.
Could the Great Mother have arrived in her true form? This psychic disruption effect was a bit absurd.
Yet this did not dent Anbaixiu's confidence. Addressing the giant eye, Anbaixiu said, "Welcome to my Hell. Though it seems the door is still too small. Would you like me to widen it and invite you in?"
The giant eyeball's pupil contracted, seemingly not expecting Anbaixiu to say such words.
She had come to invade, and this devil archduke threw open the doors?
Was there some plot? There had to be a plot.
Though the Great Mother was also a demon, she belonged to the highly intelligent sort, endowed with fully developed logical reasoning.
Sensing that something was amiss, the demonic nature of suspecting everything began to take precedence.
The eye scanned about and quickly spotted Cyric held in Anbaixiu's hand.
At this, the Great Mother felt even more that something was wrong.
Cyric was the liaison for this joint invasion. Why was his avatar in the devil's grasp? That meant all their plans were already compromised.
And even knowing everything, this devil still appeared before her with such composure.
The situation was profoundly wrong.
Hadn't Cyric claimed this devil had lost most of his divine power? Yet his display just now showed no sign of weakness whatsoever.
Could it be...
Just then, Anbaixiu sighed. "Ah, as expected of the Great Mother. You've seen right through me."
Spreading his hands, Anbaixiu expanded the spatial portal even further. The Great Mother's gargantuan bulk appeared on the opposite side, her mountain-like body floating within the chaotic void.
Anbaixiu made an inviting gesture, waiting for this formidable demon lord to step into his domain.
The Great Mother's body radiated immense magic. Without any conscious effort, countless black bolts of lightning flared and vanished around her—the effect of the Abyss and Hell's opposing powers repelling each other.
Black lightning began to crackle around Anbaixiu's body as well, signifying the Great Mother's attempt to intrude her power into Hell.
Neither deity moved so much as a finger, yet the clash of powers had already begun. Only a moment later, the Great Mother's giant pupil shrank to the size of a pinhead. She roared at Cyric, "Truly worthy of the Prince of Lies! I nearly fell for your trick!"
Leaving those words behind, the Great Mother issued a silent command, ordering all beholders to swiftly retreat through the spatial portal.
Cyric could not even process what had happened. How had the Great Mother left so easily?
"What on earth did you do?!" Cyric demanded furiously of Anbaixiu.
Anbaixiu smiled. "You saw what I did with your own eyes. I merely invited the Great Mother in, but she refused the invitation."
After thinking for a few seconds, Cyric rationalized it: "You frightened her off! Beholders are treacherous wretches—bullying the weak and fearing the strong is their true nature. Finding that you still possess the power of a devil archduke, she dared not enter Hell, dared not set foot inside your divine realm!"
Anbaixiu smiled and replied, "I'm afraid there's more to it than that. When you contacted these demon lords, you must have made them plenty of promises. That my strength was weakened was only one of them. You also told them no deity would step in to help me, didn't you? Since my divine power isn't weakened at all, could your solemn vow that no other gods would intervene also be a lie?"
Cyric was left speechless.
For these demons, the moment trust suffered even the slightest fissure, everything would vanish like smoke.
Not only did the Great Mother think so, but wouldn't the other demon lords think the same?
That was why Anbaixiu had been so confident he could make all five demon lords withdraw without resorting to any violence.
As if bolstering his own spirits, Cyric shouted, "Impossible! There's no way you can pull it off!"
"Then care to make that bet? There are still four demon lords waiting for me. I trust you know their temperaments better than I do. I'll allow you to speak at any time. While I persuade them with words, you are entirely free to rebut me. How about it? That's quite a generous offer for you, isn't it?"
Cyric now understood why Anbaixiu had grown so formidable. Compared to Zariel, this lich truly was far more of a devil.
He seemed capable of offering conditions you could never refuse at any moment.
If he truly could speak and rebut whenever he pleased, then no matter what terms Anbaixiu proposed, Cyric could counter them on the spot. Whether through deceit or intimidation, as long as he forced Anbaixiu to resort to violent force, he would win. With such a simple wager, why shouldn't he try?
"What are the stakes?" Cyric asked.
The Prince of Lies was finally tempted.
"Very simple. If you lose, your divine portfolio, your wealth, your soul, your body—everything belongs to me. Conversely, if I lose, everything of mine belongs to you. Winner takes all, or you lose everything. How about it? Thrilling, isn't it?"
Cyric had intended to agree, but upon hearing the stakes, he hesitated.
He had always preferred stirring up trouble while staying completely detached. Whether spreading rumors or spinning lies, there was always one prerequisite: never risking his own skin. But if he entered a contract with Anbaixiu, losing meant losing everything.
Anbaixiu gave him no time to ponder. Shifting once more to another location in Hell, he tore open a second spatial portal.
This time, what surged into view like a tide was an army of mariliths, along with their ruler, Shaktari, Queen of Mariliths. At the sight of this demon lord, Cyric instantly grew excited.
Shaktari was no ordinary demon lord. If one asked who in the entire Abyss was most zealous about taking part in the Blood War, it was unquestionably Shaktari.
She was the most active demon lord in the Blood War, with a lineage as ancient as the Lord of Hell's, a most traditional Tanar'ri demon of the Abyss. Because of this, Shaktari was exceptionally passionate about the Blood War and had once achieved glorious victories. Rumor had it that the turnover among devil archdukes in ancient times had occurred precisely because Shaktari had personally slain them.
She had even come close to overrunning the Blood River Fortress once, standing as a paragon among demons.
Only later was it rumored that she had been betrayed and ambushed by three mysterious devils, who conspired with Shaktari's enemies to imprison her, which was why this demon lord's presence had been absent from the Blood River battlefield for so long.
In recent years, Shaktari had managed to break free. Though still quite weakened, her hatred for devils was undoubtedly fiercer than ever.
Cyric had spent almost no effort persuading Shaktari; arriving purely for vengeance, there was no way she could be frightened off by a few words from Anbaixiu.
Just as Cyric was about to take up the bet, Anbaixiu politely addressed the Marilith Queen first: "Fair lady, do you intend for me to open the doors and welcome you in, or would you prefer to depart just like the Great Mother did?"
Without a second thought, Cyric shouted immediately, "Don't listen to this devil! He's deceiving you, Shaktari! Charge into Hell! The other demon lords are all pushing their invasions! As long as you join forces, he is no match for you!"
The marilith queen, whose eyes had turned blood-red upon seeing Anbaixiu, hesitated and halted in her tracks upon hearing Cyric's voice.
Anbaixiu did not stop Cyric from speaking; instead, he extended a hand and moved the cage holding Cyric right in front of the spatial portal, making it easier for Cyric to face the Marilith Queen directly.
Shaktari's vertical slit pupils fixed upon Cyric, demanding in a low rumble, "This was your plan? The Great Mother has already retreated?"
Shaktari's voice possessed a distinctive rasp that sent chills straight into one's bones, as though countless vipers were slithering through them. Cyric was merely an avatar right now and could barely withstand the pressure, only able to grit his teeth and endure.
Faced with Shaktari's interrogation, Cyric habitually spun a lie without thinking: "The Great Mother is merely observing for the moment! This devil's power isn't as weak as expected, but she has already established a spatial link and can reinforce you at any time!"
"This was your plan?!" Shaktari roared again.
The Great Mother had fled upon seeing things were amiss, and now Cyric was trying to con her into pressing forward alone?
Although the Marilith Queen hated devils even more fiercely, demon lords were no fools; they wouldn't jump into a pit knowing full well a trap was waiting.
A devil archduke whose divine power hadn't been diminished, bolstered by the power of an entire plane—how was she supposed to fight that?
Shaktari had been freed not long ago and remained in a weakened state. Fighting an easy, winning battle was fine, but charging alone into Hell to face this devil archduke would see her suppressed in no time.
Whether anyone else gained anything was uncertain, but she would definitely suffer a catastrophic loss.
Cyric realized his mistake as well. Right now, he should reassure the Marilith Queen and dispel her doubts, and the best way was to have her wait temporarily... Wait. If he did that, wouldn't he be handing this devil yet another demon lord dealt with?
No! He had to make the Marilith Queen charge into Hell. Otherwise, the other demon lords would also choose to wait and watch, waiting for someone else to throw their life away first.
If that happened, Anbaixiu truly would resolve the threat of all the demon lords without shedding a drop of blood!
The plan had gone awry from the very start—misjudging Anbaixiu's remaining strength had thrown every subsequent arrangement completely out of alignment.
Cyric had to make amends immediately.
He had to ignite the Marilith Queen's fury and urge her to continue invading with her demons.
"Shaktari! I used to think you were the most demonic of demons, the Abyssal lord who despised devils above all! But I never expected you to cower before such petty danger! It seems your time in captivity ground away all your edge and willpower! You only need to spare a sliver of power to form a potent avatar and send it into Hell, and you'll immediately see that this devil before you is merely bluffing!
"Perhaps his strength hasn't completely vanished, but if five demon lords join forces—even if each only manifests an avatar—it will be more than enough to tear this devil apart! He's nothing more than a newly ascended mortal! Has even that frightened you so badly that you dare not strike? If so, I should never have sought you out in the first place! What a disgrace to demon lords!"
Cyric resorted to goading. Having no other cards left to play, provocation was his only option, hoping Shaktari hadn't completely forgotten the hatred burning within her heart.
And the goad indeed worked. Blood-colored flames ignited within Shaktari's eyes as her rage manifested almost physically.
Remembering how she had been ambushed by those devil lords, and the agonizing days of imprisonment and torment, her hatred spurred her forward toward Hell.
Even in a weakened state, Shaktari could still swing her blades; she was still the most demonic of demons.
At worst, it would only cost a bit of strength...
The chaotic, bellicose nature of demons took over. Not every demon lord was as rational and restrained as the Great Mother; most were the type to fly into a frenzy at the slightest provocation.
Seeing that his ploy had worked, Cyric glanced smugly at Anbaixiu, only to hear Anbaixiu, silent for so long, finally speak: "Queen of Mariliths. Though as a devil I stand in opposition to you, I understand all too well the agony of being imprisoned and tortured. Back when I was a mortal, I endured countless torments. Not only the loss of freedom, but torture and humiliation.
"A prisoner's dignity trampled, body and mind racked by torment—vengeance is only natural. I truly understand you. Truly."
Shaktari's slithering body froze. What was this devil babbling about?
Did he think this would make her abandon revenge?
Pointing her blade straight at Anbaixiu's throat, Shaktari snarled, "Stow your silver tongue, devil! I won't listen to another word of your nonsense!"
Seeing this, Cyric was excited enough to scream.
Go on, fight! Fight now, and this devil won't dare strut so arrogantly!
All that nonsense about repelling every demon lord with mere words was nothing but empty boasting!
Just one step away! As long as Shaktari stepped into Hell and swung a blade at Anbaixiu—even if it missed—Cyric would win the wager!
Yet just as Shaktari was about to command her marilith army to charge, Anbaixiu spoke one final line: "Vengeance is the right choice, but if you aim it at the wrong target, it's nothing more than wasted effort. Shaktari, I have only just ascended from mortality, so your past imprisonment had nothing to do with me. If you expend a vast amount of divine power today, how many years will you have to wait before you can take revenge on your true enemies?
"How long does a demon lord need to recover her original strength? A thousand years? Five thousand?
"To squander your power for nothing, only to fall back into weakness—aren't you afraid of being captured by those schemers in the shadows once more, imprisoned and humiliated all over again? Perhaps the very moment you strike, you'll be walking right into another trap."
This time, Shaktari could not help but bring her coiling serpent tail to a halt.
Seeing things turn sour, Cyric hastily blurted, "Don't listen to him! No devil will help him! This is his trial!"
Anbaixiu nodded. "Correct. No one will help me. And precisely because of that, other devils would never mind using me as bait in exchange for a few petty benefits. Even if I were utterly defenseless, what could a demonic invasion ultimately achieve? Overrun the Blood River Fortress, slaughter the devils of the First Layer, and then get driven back by the united devil archdukes.
"Throughout all that, you would have slain nothing more than a devil who holds no grudge against you, all while risking falling into another trap and completely forfeiting your chance at precise vengeance."
Shaktari hissed with agitation, "Damned devil, what are you saying?!"
Cyric yelled in fury, "No! Don't listen to him!"
Yet Shaktari was already hooked by Anbaixiu's words. Ignoring Cyric's shouts, she stared intently at Anbaixiu, waiting for his next words, eager to hear what this devil had to offer on the thing she cared about most.
Anbaixiu did not disappoint her, declaring without hesitation, "Withdraw for now. If you do me this courtesy, I will track down those devils who framed you and help you exact your revenge."
Shaktari snarled, "Why should I trust you, cunning devil?!"
"On my honor as a devil archduke. You should know well that devils value contracts, and as for my reputation, you are welcome to make inquiries. I promised Talos I would present him with a goddess as a bride, and I succeeded. I promised the devils I would build a soul bank to completely monopolize Hell's soul trade, and I succeeded in that as well.
"Back then, I was merely a mortal. Now, all I have to do is ferret out a few devils lurking behind the scenes. Would the master of the First Layer of Hell truly be incapable of that?"
A devil's promise was never good news, but the terms Anbaixiu put forth were simply too enticing, and the examples he cited were far too persuasive.
Talos wedding the Kuo-toa Goddess was known throughout the pantheon, a feat worthy of being sung for millennia.
Recalling the various rumors she had heard, Shaktari found it was just as Anbaixiu said: no matter how unbelievable his promises sounded, he had carried every single one through to completion.
This reputation was vastly superior to Cyric's—or rather, more trustworthy than that of any devil.
Shaktari glanced toward Cyric once more, hoping the Prince of Lies might say something.
It was not that Shaktari wanted to do Cyric any favors; in negotiations, having another bidder always squeezed out better terms.
Yet Cyric was now entirely at a loss for words.
All of Cyric's previous deals operated on maintaining his detachment without ever risking himself. Right now, Cyric had no bargaining chips to offer; he couldn't possibly promise to help Shaktari track down the devils who had framed her. Even if Cyric were willing to lie, Shaktari wouldn't believe him anyway.
Once again, Anbaixiu had won.
What wounded Cyric even more was that before agreeing to the partnership, Shaktari sneered mockingly, "Cyric, you truly are just a useless babbler. Compared to the Archduke Deceiver, you're nothing but a clown."
The Marilith Queen slashed her palm, flicking out a drop of venomous blood that mingled with the blood from Anbaixiu's fingertips.
Demon and devil forged a contract: Shaktari would withdraw, and Anbaixiu would find her nemeses and aid her in exacting revenge.
The contract established, the demons retreated.
The second demon lord had thus departed.
Anbaixiu closed the spatial portal and remarked to the grim-faced Cyric, "I don't even know what you were bustling about just now. Have you forgotten? You still haven't signed a contract with me. Even if Shaktari had actually swung her blade at me and I suppressed her outright, it wouldn't count as a win for you."
Cyric kept his mouth shut. Fortunately, he hadn't signed the contract; otherwise, he would be in deep trouble.
Two of the five demon lords were already gone. With three remaining, did he still have a chance?
As if seeing right through Cyric's thoughts, Anbaixiu's palm lit up with a fiery crimson glow, in which a contract teeming with magical power hovered.
In a seductive voice, Anbaixiu said to Cyric, "That's right, there are still three chances left, aren't there? The King of Ghouls, the Prince of Demons, and the Maid of Misfortune. What temperaments do they have, and what weaknesses? You know better than I do, don't you?
"Three bets. As long as you win once, I lose. How about it? Care to sign the contract with me? You'd better hurry—the longer you wait, the lower your odds become."
Chapter 630